Heroes

In the wake of evil, we find the strongest acts of good.

REUTERS: Staff emerge as heroes in Mumbai hotel sieges

Pray for the peace of Mumbai.

Uh oh

FOXNews.com: Flight Attendant Sues Wife of Evangelist Joel Osteen Over Alleged Air-Rage Incident

Says she was forceful with a attendant because of some liquid spilled on a chair. Threw her against a door and jabbed her in the breast.

Not saying I want bad things to happen, but I just can't get up the sympathy. However, innocent until proven guilty.

Isn't it a little creepy that the guy can't ever not not have a smile on his face, by the way?

Viva la Vida

Issues, Etc.'s new bumper music is Coldplay's "Viva la Vida." It sounds good for that purpose.

The lyrics are pretty good, too. Lots of people are seeing lots of things in these words, probably more than they should. I'm going to play on the safe side and say it speaks pretty powerfully of the human experience with the sinful lust for power and prestige, and how everthing can be snatched away in an instant.

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemies eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing:
"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"

One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt, and pillars of sand

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can not explain
Once you know there was never, never an honest word
That was when I ruled the world

It was the wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in.
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People could not believe what I'd become
Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever want to be king?

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can not explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world

Happy Independence Day!

I'm happy and proud to live here in this country and I thank God for the blessings of freedom.

Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

God Bless America! And Happy Birthday!

NOTE: If you happen to be a pastor/worship leader/running a service this Sunday for any reason whatsoever, party your heart out for the USA Friday and Saturday and do whatever you like, but leave it out of Sunday morning. Jesus loves America and all, but he didn't ask for the day off.

Tripping, Tripping, Everywhere

My posting has been sporadic due to the large volume of traveling I have been doing lately. I was in Boston last week, and I'm in St. Louis this week.

I drove by the "purple palace" today. Some of you who are Lutherans (and some others) know what that means.